More than a Quarter Million Americans Treated in ER for Toy-related Injuries

Prevent Blindness Provides Tips on Best Ways to Keep Holidays Safe by Purchasing Safe Toys and Gifts for Children

Last year, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a report stating that there were an estimated 254,200 toy-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments. An estimated 88,700 of those injuries were to children younger than age 5. And, 45 percent of the total injuries were to the head and face area, the area of the body with the most injuries.

To help shoppers select appropriate gifts this holiday season, Prevent Blindness has declared December as Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness month and offers tips including:

Avoid toys that shoot or include parts that fly off.

Ask yourself or the parent if the toy is right for the child's ability and age. Consider whether other smaller children may be in the home and may have access to the toy.

Buy toys that will withstand impact and not break into dangerous shards.

Look for the letters "ASTM." This designation means the product meets the national safety standards set by ASTM International.

Do not give toys with small parts to young children. Young kids tend to put things in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking. If any part of a toy can fit in a toilet paper roll, the toy is not appropriate for children under the age of 3.

Do not purchase toys with long strings or cords, especially for infants and very young children as these can become wrapped around a child’s neck.

Always dispose of uninflated or broken balloons immediately.

Do not purchase toys with small magnets. Magnets, like those found in magnetic building sets and other toys, can be extremely harmful if swallowed. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect a child may have swallowed a magnet.

Ensure any batteries are securely in place.

Read all warnings and instructions on the box.

Always supervise children and demonstrate to them how to use their toys safely.

If purchasing sunglasses, make sure they are labeled as 100 percent UV-blocking.